Acne

Acne affects around 50 million people in the U.S. each year, making it the country’s most common skin condition. At Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, you have access to the most effective acne treatments from providers on the board of the Nevada Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Receive personalized care for any type of acne at any age. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory condition that causes red bumps to appear on your skin. It usually affects adolescents and teenagers, but it can persist through adulthood. Acne comes in many forms, including:

• Whiteheads (clogged pores trapped under the skin surface)
• Blackheads (open pores filled with trapped oil and dead skin cells)
• Papules (small red, inflamed bumps without pus)
• Pustules (inflamed bumps filled with pus, often red at the base)
• Nodules (large, painful lumps deep under the skin)
• Cysts (painful, pus-filled lumps that can cause scarring)

You can have several different types of acne at once, making it difficult to treat. At Vivida Dermatology, you have access to a team of acne experts that includes board-certified dermatologists. The team works together to curate a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific acne types.

What causes acne?

Clogged hair follicles and sebaceous glands (which produce an oily substance called sebum) cause acne. Sebum travels from your sebaceous glands through your hair follicles to moisturize your skin. When bacteria and dead skin cells plug your hair follicles, sebum gets trapped in these glands. This sparks an inflammatory reaction that causes acne.

Anybody can develop acne, but certain factors can increase your risk, including:  

• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles
• Excess oil production
• Certain medications (like corticosteroids or androgens)
• Genetics 
• Stress (which can trigger or worsen breakouts)
• Using oil-based skin care or makeup products 
• Friction or pressure on the skin (from helmets, hats, or tight clothing)

While diet doesn’t cause acne, certain foods — cow’s milk and low-glycemic foods, especially — can trigger a breakout.

Why do I still have acne as an adult?

If you struggle with acne in your 20s or 30s, you’re not alone. Around 25% of women and 12% of men continue to experience acne breakouts well into their 40s. Adult acne can be frustrating, especially when it seems like a teenage issue. Finding the appropriate treatment for adult acne is essential to find lasting relief from the condition.

How is acne treated?

Vivida Dermatology offers a complete range of acne treatments for your comfort, preferences, and budget, including:

• Topical retinoids
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Oral antibiotics
• Hormonal treatments
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy
• Light therapy
• Cortisone injections

A combination of treatments may be necessary to fully clear your complexion. If you’re ready to take back control of your skin, call Vivida Dermatology or schedule a consultation online.